Senior gaurd Symone Miller drives past her William Carey University opponent for a layup. Miller led the team in scoring against the Crusaders, scoring 18 points off of 7-12 shooting. The Lion’s Roar / Maria Goddard
The Lady Lions earned a solid win 62-35 in the University Center against the William Carey University Crusaders on Tuesday night.
The Lady Lions won both halves 30-18 and 32-17. This was a regular season game for Southeastern, but counted as an exhibition game for the Crusaders.
“I was pleased with the turnout,” said head coach Yolanda Moore. “We started out a little flat, but we had a good performance from everybody who played. They have developed and come a long way.”
The Lady Lions completed 26-51 field goal shots, amounting to 51 percent. The overall percentage of three point shots was 16.7 because two of 12 were completed. Eight of 15 free throws found their way into the basket, finishing with a 53.3 percentage from the free throw line.
Many of the shots were made by senior guard Symone Miller, who shot for 18 total points for the team with one assist and one turnover.
“I think I did okay, we started off kind of slow. I kind of fed off my teammates for the most part. I just wanted us to get the flow going,” said Miller.
Junior forward Nanna Pool, scored 17 total points, gave one assist, five turnovers and two blocks.
Junior guard Peaches Anderson also helped the team by making seven baskets, one assist and one turnover. Additionally, senior guard Elizabeth Styles was a necessary aid, who was responsible for nine assists and a season high of four steals. Miller credits the whole team’s efforts for the win.
“I think our biggest thing is staying in the defense. We have spurts when we do really well and I think we need to keep those moments going. Do the little things for a long time,” said Miller.
Senior forward Jameika Hoskins had quick reaction time, recovering the ball for nine rebounds. The performance of the team can be accredited to their sacrifice, teamwork and chemistry.
“They work really well,” said Moore. “It’s a selfless team and they have good chemistry. They work well together, not just on the court, but off the court [as well]. They understand that teamwork is essential for us to achieve our overall goals.”
All of the action on the court excited fans, one of which felt that the Lady Lions turned up the heat.
“It was exciting. The girls looked really good tonight. They really put it on them,” said Tom Ragan of Hammond.
Sophomore forward Gabriella Delaune was highlighted as the spotlight player for this game to interact with fans, who the team values.
“We love our fans. They give us that boost when we need it, when we’re down or starting slow and we hear them cheering us on and that give us the energy to go out there and do what we know we can do,” said Miller.
This game marked the third home game in a row for the Lady Lions. They hope to keep up the intensity in order to win Southland Conference.
“Our team’s goal is to win Southland Conference and just be champions; come out every day and give our best,” said Miller.
Following the home game, the Lady Lions started on the road for two away games to take Auburn University and Mississippi State University to the court.
Thursday, the Lady Lions fell short against Auburn, 72-44. Senior guard Miller led with 13 points, followed closely by junior guard Anderson with 10 points. Senior junior forward Pool was the lead player in rebounds, collecting eight for the team.
Unfortunately for the Lady Lions, they met the same fate against MSU on Sunday, finishing with a loss of 97-36. Senior guards Styles and Miller fought to score 16 points for the team, Styles with nine and Miller with seven.
Their next game will also be an away game at LSU at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.
For more information about upcoming games, visit www.lionsports.net.